tomato clownfish
| Scientific name | Amphiprion frenatus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Brevoort |
| Year of description | 1856 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Pomacentridae |
| Genus | Amphiprion |
Introduction
Amphiprion frenatus, more commonly known as the tomato clownfish, is a tropical fish found in the South China Sea and parts of the marine area of Japan.
Who is it?
Morphology
-
Type
-
Average size8 cm
-
Maximum size14 cm
-
Longevity5 year
-
ShapeOval
-
Type
-
Average size8 cm
-
Maximum size14 cm
-
Longevity5 year
-
ShapeOval
How to recognize the tomato clownfish ?
The tomato clownfish is easily recognizable by its single white stripe with a very distinct black outline on the head and its red fins.
Young individuals have two or three stripes: one on the head and one from the middle of the dorsal fin to the base of the anal fin. The central stripe disappears as the fish grows.
It can easily be confused with the Amphiprion rubrocinctus (Australia) but the latter does not have a black outline on the white stripe. Juveniles are very difficult to distinguish. The best way is to inquire about the original geographic area. Another closely related species, Amphiprion melanopus (Western Pacific), can be differentiated by its wider white stripe and black pelvic and anal fins.
Sexual dimorphism
Females have darker bodies on the ventral parts, with a bright red snout and fins. Males are smaller and uniformly red all over their bodies.
Behaviour & Life cycle
-
dietomnivorous with carnivorous tendency
-
Sociabilityliving as a couple
-
territorialYes
-
Way of livingdiurnal
The tomato clownfish is an active and territorial species that lives in symbiosis with anemones. It feeds on plants, vegetation, and microorganisms closely linked to its host. Usually, they are found in a colony organized around a dominant female.
Reproduction
-
Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
-
Hermaphroditeprotandric
Eggs are usually laid on rocks or coral reefs under the foot of anemones. They can tolerate the toxicity of the anemones. The parents care for and protect their spawn. Once hatched, the fry are carried into the pelagic zone by currents.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
-
Temperature22 - 26 °C
-
Depth0 - 0 m
-
FlowMedium
Biotope presentation
Amphiprion frenatus lives in symbiosis with the anemone Entacmaea quadricolor.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
-
Min volume100 liters
-
Population minnot specified
-
Temperature22 - 26 °C
-
pH (acidity)8.2 - 8.4
Characteristics
-
Difficulty breedingeasy
-
Robustnesstolerant
-
Behaviourslightly aggressive
-
Availabilitystandard
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the tomato clownfish
The tomato clownfish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 26 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 29°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.
Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 100 liters.
The tomato clownfish may show signs of aggression. In general, this species should not be mixed with large territorial species or other overly aggressive species, in order to avoid possible stress or even injury.
However, it can coexist with other species with a peaceful temperament and with some slightly territorial neighbors, as far as the volume of the aquarium allows. It is important to avoid that two territorial species share the same living area in an aquarium of insufficient volume. During the breeding season, this species defends its territory with more virulence. This behavior can weaken its shy neighbors.
Tips for feeding
The tomato clownfish is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.
Reproduction protocol
-
Maintenance difficultymoderate
-
Spawning cleaningFemale & Male
-
egg-laying protectionFemale & Male
-
Fry protection
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
These animals might interest you
To go further
Species of the same family
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Benoit Chartrer
Marc Raggi
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
THE EMBRYONIC AND LARVAE DEVELOPMENTS OF TOMATO ANEMONEFISH (Amphiprion frenatus Brevoort, 1856) IN KHANH HOA COAST - Ha Le Thi Loc - Collection of Marine Research Works - 2002.
FIELD GUIDE TO ANEMONE FISHES AND THEIR HOST SEA ANEMONES - Dr. Daphne G. Fautin - GERALD R. ALLEN - Western Australian Museum - 1992.
POMACENTRIDAE - GERALD R. ALLEN - FAO Fisheries Synopsis - 2001. ISBN 92-5-104587-9
Evolution, Development and Ecology of Anemonefishes - Vincent Laudet - Timothy Ravasi - Taylor & Francis - 2023.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
